matt_p
Established Member
I've seen a fair few threads around of people who have been disappointed with their LCD purchases, and lots of people are currently on the look-out for screens to go with their xbox 360s, sky HD etc. I think people should be aware that with LCD screens, you really do get what you pay for.
In my opinion, LCD tvs as recent as a couple of years ago were borderline unfit for use as a TV. Ghosting, smearing all over the screen... Absolutely awful! I was looking for flat screen TV to go in my new flat in 2003, but the quality was so poor that I bought a mid-range Toshiba CRT as a stop gap until things got better and prices came down.
For me, LCD only became acceptable (quality and price-wise) with this years models, and I plumped for the Hitachi 7200. And very fine it is too! Likewise, the latest screens from other top manufacturers all seem to be of a similar quality and are finally looking good value for money.
What worries me is that with the increased interest in LCD, lots more people are coming in 'blind' and are looking for bargains, when such a thing doesn't really exist yet. The "acceptable-for-TV" panels and electronics are still in the hands of only the top manufacturers; the supermarket no-names and other smaller companies are still using old stock which is pretty grotty at best.
I have seen plenty of LCDs, from top Philips to Sainsbury's specials and lots in between, and MY GOD! The difference is phenomenal! It makes me feel bad to see people spend plenty of money on screens that are absolutely hideous to look at, when if they spent an extra £100 or £200 or so they could have got a pretty decent Samsung or Toshiba etc.
I won't even go into the whole HD compatibility thing, I'll be here all day. Just have a look at the Tevion thread to see what can go wrong with supermarket specials.
My advice if you're on the look out for a screen is: stick to the latest screens from the major manufacturers. There is no such thing as a LCD bargain, as the decent technology hasn't filtered down to the small manufacturers/rebranders yet. Spending £600 on a 32" Asda LCD is a false economy, because you won't be getting half the screen you'd get if you spent £850 on a 'top-name'!
Rant over.
In my opinion, LCD tvs as recent as a couple of years ago were borderline unfit for use as a TV. Ghosting, smearing all over the screen... Absolutely awful! I was looking for flat screen TV to go in my new flat in 2003, but the quality was so poor that I bought a mid-range Toshiba CRT as a stop gap until things got better and prices came down.
For me, LCD only became acceptable (quality and price-wise) with this years models, and I plumped for the Hitachi 7200. And very fine it is too! Likewise, the latest screens from other top manufacturers all seem to be of a similar quality and are finally looking good value for money.
What worries me is that with the increased interest in LCD, lots more people are coming in 'blind' and are looking for bargains, when such a thing doesn't really exist yet. The "acceptable-for-TV" panels and electronics are still in the hands of only the top manufacturers; the supermarket no-names and other smaller companies are still using old stock which is pretty grotty at best.
I have seen plenty of LCDs, from top Philips to Sainsbury's specials and lots in between, and MY GOD! The difference is phenomenal! It makes me feel bad to see people spend plenty of money on screens that are absolutely hideous to look at, when if they spent an extra £100 or £200 or so they could have got a pretty decent Samsung or Toshiba etc.
I won't even go into the whole HD compatibility thing, I'll be here all day. Just have a look at the Tevion thread to see what can go wrong with supermarket specials.
My advice if you're on the look out for a screen is: stick to the latest screens from the major manufacturers. There is no such thing as a LCD bargain, as the decent technology hasn't filtered down to the small manufacturers/rebranders yet. Spending £600 on a 32" Asda LCD is a false economy, because you won't be getting half the screen you'd get if you spent £850 on a 'top-name'!
Rant over.